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Cruising the Canals of Amsterdam

What better way to enjoy Amsterdam than walking it’s streets, is cruising it’s famous canals. The capital city of The Netherlands has more than 100km of canals criss-crossing the city. With about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges running over the canals, boats are a way of life here. So much so, that Amsterdam is also known as the Venice of the North.

For beginners, taking a canal cruise is as simple as booking with any of the cruise companies along the major canals.

One of the many canal cruise boats that you can book to travel the canals in comfort.Cantilever bridges like this are pretty common where roads meet canals.This looks somewhat similar to a certain seafood restaurant in Hong Kong. I guess this is the Dutch version.Passing by a cruise liner in the port area.Look out for the unique old buildings which look pretty unsafe to me.

The canal cruises only traverses the major canals where larger boats can pass through. However, some of the more quaint and beautiful canal sights of the city are best explored on foot, where boats are not allowed through. Try taking the cruises at night for a totally enchanting experience. I didn’t get the chance to do that while I was there, so there’s always a next time.

Classic Amsterdam streets and canals.The area around the main train station, with museums and art galleries.Of course not forgetting the famous Red Light district in Amsterdam.

Although these photos were taken in 1995, looking at some of the current photos from friends, I guess not much as changed in Amsterdam, so get cruising once you are there!